Choose the option which is closest in meaning to the underlined word in the given sentence:
The manager was praised for his meticulous planning.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Careful
- Meticulous means showing great care and attention to every detail. It comes from the Latin metus (fear): so careful as to fear any mistake. The manager planned every detail with great care.
Example: She keeps meticulous records of all expenses. - Careful means giving close attention so as to avoid mistakes; it is the synonym of meticulous (meticulous is the stronger word).
Example: Be careful while crossing the road.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Careless — Incorrect. Careless means not giving enough attention; it is the opposite of meticulous.
Example: A careless mistake cost him five marks.
Option 3: Doubtful — Incorrect. Doubtful means not sure; it has nothing to do with care over details.
Example: I am doubtful whether he will come.
Option 4: Lenient — Incorrect. Lenient means not strict, mild in punishing; it describes a soft attitude, not careful planning.
Example: The teacher was lenient with the late students.
| Synonyms (Meticulous) | Antonyms (Meticulous) |
|---|---|
| careful | careless |
| painstaking | sloppy |
| thorough | negligent |
| scrupulous | slapdash |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| meticulous | 22-05 S2 | 30-05 S1 | – | 18-06 S3 | 16-09 S1 |
| lenient | – | – | – | 12-06 S1 | 16-09 S1 |